Match Report
England Netball
England Netball
World Netball Series Result: Australia 23 – 22 New Zealand
Any netball fan lucky enough to witness these two giants of the game do battle previously will have become accustomed to thrilling encounters with narrow victories for either side in the previous few years, and in Liverpool they didn’t disappoint. The unbeaten Diamonds confirmed their superiority at this year’s World Netball Series with the tightest of wins.
The first quarter was full of intent and smooth passing with neither side quite in top gear; it was more of a case of easing into the clash and getting a feel for their opposition. Irene van Dyk was her usual, dependable self in the circle, retrieving lost situations and remaining calm under the post. Australia too look fluent in attack, with Lees and Francois working hard in the mid-court. The Silver Ferns edged the opening six minutes 6 – 4.
Australia came out strong again in the second quarter and had Kate Beveridge doing her utmost to get her side back into the match. The New Zealand defence stood firm with Anna Scarlett and Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick breathing down the neck of every Diamonds shooter who dared to enter their defensive circle. A good sized crowd were getting right into this tussle and the contest was evenly balanced, the reigning champs just edging the first half 11 – 8.
The customary walk for a coach at the end of half-time is to head over to the bug red button and set the Powerplay flames off. Both teams were now scoring double and the Diamonds defence came flying out of the blocks with phenomenal interceptions that allowed the shooters the chance to finally inch the side ahead. At the end of a thrilling Powerplay the Aussies led 18 – 17.
New Zealand pressed for the comeback at the start of the fourth quarter, but with the attacking intent they were exposed in the mid-court. Cathrine Latu and Carla Dziwoki traded scores as the anticipations grew in the crowd; it was genuine edge of your seat stuff. A vociferous applause greeted a sensational intercept from Kayla Cullen, who must have been at least three feet in the air. Time run down on the Silver Ferns and Australia left the court an unbeaten side and now look like certainties to finish top of the table, New Zealand face Fiji later this evening looking to halt a run of two defeats.